Saturday, October 4, 2014

Essentials by Ellen Blog Hop


Welcome to the Essentials by Ellen Blog Hop!  I am so excited to help unveil a brand new line of high quality Clear Stamp Sets and Designer Dies, designed by Julie Ebersole exclusively for Ellen Hutson LLC.

This collection reflects an eclectic mix of images, sentiments and art styles that are sure to appeal to a wide range of tastes! Just in time for holiday crafting, the entire release is available now at Ellen Hutson LLC.

All Essentials by Ellen Stamp Sets and Dies arrive in signature packaging with a durable clear envelope (you guys, the storage is fantastic, no flimsy plastic bag!) and a labeled card stock backer for convenient storage and organization.  The die packaging also features an attached magnetic sheet, to ensure that even the smallest of your dies is stored securely!

For the hop I was asked to showcase three stamp sets and three dies.  I know it's a long hop, so let's get to it.

First a very CAS card featuring the Autumn Acorns stamp set.  I love the shape of the leaf from this set and that there is both a solid and outline image.




The solid image was perfect for some rock and roll stamping.  To add some texture an interest to the card, I added some hand stitching to the inside of the outline images.  I also added a linen mat behind the stamped panel.



My second card features the Cozy Christmas stamps set and Home & Heath and Laurel Wreath dies.



I wanted to showcase a different use for the Laurel wreath die, so I used it to create the bottom edge of that top panel.  It's a little tricky, but in a nutshell, die cut a scrap wreath, cut it in half and then placed the halves on the patterned paper (cut to 4" x 5 1/4" to determine how you want the boughs to line up.  Tack those in place with some removable adhesive, then place the wreath die on top of one, securing it on one side (so you can still lift it up) with some post it note tape.  Lift the die up slightly to remove the scrap/guide piece and die cut.

Once I had the negative portion complete, I die cut the wreath from green cardstock and pieced it together with the negative cut using some printer paper as a base.

For the bottom portion of the card, I used the partial die cutting technique to die cut the top of two of the houses from the Home & Hearth die set.




The sentiment was stamped and embossed on some more of that woodgrain patterned paper and adhered to the partial die cut piece.  I added some Lawn Fawn Lawn Trimmings and then adhered both the top and bottom pieces with foam adhesive.  A little red die heart die cut from Home & Hearth finished it off.

My first two card are more controlled and planned out.  My last card came together a little more organically.  I used the Bokeh Dots stamp set, the Stag Die, and then used the Brushstroke Joy die for a sentiment.



I first stamped the doodled circles on some watercolor paper and the painted them in with Kuretake watercolors.  I thought it would be fun to add some stitching around that large circle and stitched on some gold sequins while I was at it.  I also added some stamped black accents using that fun cluster of black dots stamp.

I wanted some gold 'gilding' on the stag's horns, so I pressed some Versamark onto them and embossed them in gold.  I felt like that made the black cardstock too boring so, I went ahead and embossed the rest of it in clear and the popped it up with some foam adhesive.



The sentiment was cut from some gold cardstock and adhered directly to the panel.  I wanted a bit of a frame, and debated whether to doodle it or stitch it and decided to go with stitching.  

Ok, that is all for me today, and now I have some giveaway fun for you!  The VERY generous Ellen and Julie are sponsoring giveaways at each stop along the hop.  We were each allowed to choose one of our showcase sets to giveaway.  I picked Bokeh Dots.



It's such a versatile set, I have a feeling I'll be reaching for it a lot to add that perfect finishing tough to my projects.  This new stamp set will go to one lucky winner! Please leave a comment to be entered to win.

If you're just getting started, the fun all starts at the CLASSroom, where there is a GIANT prize package being given away—be sure to leave a comment there and at each stop along the way, I have the full hop list below for you, by October 8th; winners will be announced October 9th!

HOPPERS:
The CLASSroom - http://ellenhutson.typepad.com/the_classroom_new/
Teri Anderson - terisplace.wordpress.com
Laurel Beard - www.laurelbeard.org
JJ Bolton - www.jjbolton.org
Heather Campbell - http://parkermolly.blogspot.com
Kittie Caracciolo - http://kittiekraft.typepad.com/kittiekraft/
Darlene DeVries - http://www.darlenedesign.com
Julie Ebersole – http://papertrufflez.com
Sharon Harnist - http://paperfections.typepad.com/
Amber Kemp-Gerstel - www.damasklove.com
Cristina Kowalczyk - http://mypapersecret.blogspot.com/
Karolyn Loncon - karolyns-paperkraft.blogspot.com
Nichol Magouirk - http://nicholmagouirk.typepad.com
Jean Manis - www.jeanmanis.com
Jennifer McGuire - http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/
Chari Moss - www.mossymade.com
Paulina Nakamura - http://www.prettypinkposh.com/blog
Jocelyn Olson - http://redballooncards.blogspot.com
Catherine Pooler - www.catherinepooler.com
Miriam Prantner - http://mprantner.blogspot.com (you are here...and almost done!)
Julia Stainton - http://juliastainton.com/blog

Enjoy and happy World Card-making Day! 

439 comments:

  1. Gosh, Miriam! You made an amazing job with the new line! My favorite is the second card, all that dimension, the texture, the woodgrain... adore!

    ReplyDelete
  2. GAH! Awesome projects, Miriam! LOVE that stag card, and those colorful circles!

    ReplyDelete
  3. wow Miriam gorgeous cards.. very creative and clever designing.. love them all

    ReplyDelete
  4. Country thru and thru loved them!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. oh my gosh, great cards but that last one... Stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow what cool and unusual card ideas. Thanks for sharing them

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love what you did with the wood grain and wreaths!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Happy WCMD, Miriam! Great eye candy. Love these.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great cards! I like the stitching on the leaves.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Such wonderful textures here! Loving your style - feels down right homey. Thanks for sharing your great work done with this amazing release!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wonderful cards! Your added stitching adds a little extra. Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great Cards! Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  13. gasp! Miriam, these are FABulous...love everything. So much FUN!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow. Just wow. Your stag head card is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love the way you used the wreath die. All of your cards are great tho.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love the style of your cards. Beautiful

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow!! Just amazing cards!! Now i'm kind of liking that circle set!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Whoa!! Love the techniques you used on the stag and the hand stitching on the leaf is just gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Beautiful cards...love stitching on any card..just gives it a little something! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your cards are wonderful. That stag is the bomb!

    ReplyDelete
  21. LOVE the stitching in your leaf!!! Super fun!! All the cards are great!

    ReplyDelete
  22. great ideas love leaf and stiching ideas
    Alyse D

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love how you used the laurel on your home card :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. LOVING your AMAZING Creations for today!! Whoop Whoop!! So EXCITED about this New Release!! THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and have a Fabulous Weekend!! Happy WCMD!! =)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I know, typically even before I click to view a post here, that I will love whatever you have done. Today is no exception, what fantastic cards - I love what you have done with this new release!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I the watercolor medium in the circles is a PERFECT idea. TFS

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh my, love your style. Funky and sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love all the delicious textures! Each cards are so beautifully unique. Thanks so much for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great cards! I think the fall leaves are my favorite. :) Thank you for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Beautiful cards with great texture. Love them! TFS xxx

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love, love, love that deer and dots card. How cleaver.

    ReplyDelete
  32. That dots and deer card looks fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  33. You has some clever and unique ideas like the cut away behind the wreath. Enoyed all of your designs. Thanks for participating.

    ReplyDelete
  34. For me--definitely the Joy card. Love the layout of this card a lot!

    Thanks for sharing your creativity!
    kReN@http://afourthlife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Brilliant really. I can often be stumped as to how to use a new supply item...these examples are fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Such clever use of these great new releases!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Your cards ROCK!! LOVE every little bit of them! the reindeer card, the laurel wreath and the houses...gotta get them! great stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  38. The cards are so pretty. Love the stitched vein in the middle leaf on the first card.
    The house under the boughs of evergreen makes for a striking card.
    thanks for sharing so many wonderful cards.
    Happy WCMD

    ReplyDelete
  39. Been a great hop! I like the reindeer you did great technique!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Love your Happy Fall card. So simple and cute!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Love every single card ... So stunning :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I just love you're house card. I love houses. Love how you made the top part. That Joy Reindeer card is simply adorable. What beautiful work. I just love everything about it. Just love the words.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Awesome cards, love the fall cards!

    ReplyDelete
  44. All of your cards are wonderful. Really love the stitching on the leaves.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Very impressive! LOVE the last card with the stag, joy and bokeh stamps!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Miriam - a pleasure to see your work. I really like the card incorporating the watercolors. Aren't these sets incredible?!!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Good job. I love the house card. Super neat.

    ReplyDelete
  48. wow, this was a long hop! But so full of inspiration and wonderful creative people!

    ReplyDelete
  49. The little house card is my favorite. So sweet! Love all your projects!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love the "Broken Dots" set too! They are so much fun. All your projects are great. thanks

    ReplyDelete
  51. I'm loving your cards -especially the one using the book eh background!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. The repeated leaf is my fav, but I likes um all.

    ReplyDelete
  53. that little wooded scene is perfection!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I like how you cut the foliage apart for your card, it added so much to it. All of your cards are wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Wow! I love them all!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love the simple but effective way you added the leaves to your first card.

    Noreen
    Crafty Journal

    ReplyDelete
  57. Great use of the Laurel wreath, and the gold tipped antlers!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Love the texture and feeling of the cards. they are great.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I like the colors and texture and your joy/reindeer card!

    ReplyDelete
  60. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Wow inspiration overload :) love them all

    ReplyDelete
  62. Clever ideas. Gotta have this bokeh set! Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  63. All your cards are great, I love the way you used the laurel leaves on your "From our home to yours" card!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Beautiful projects!! Just LOVE the hand stitching on the 'Happy Fall" card!!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Beautiful cards. Loving the new release.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Wow, great cards. Great use of the circles. I would have just looked at them and not thought of anything for hours.

    ReplyDelete
  67. A terrific design for the "Our house to yours" card; and the gold-tipped antlers are terrific. I enjoyed reading your process of doing this and then that (sounds like me). The final card is wonderful! TFS

    ReplyDelete
  68. Gorgeous cards, Miriam! Great designs!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Fantabulous!!! The doodle circles have my fingers itching:) Love your share!!!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Creative use of the stamps and dies! You are very creative!!

    ReplyDelete
  71. love your design style, the reindeer card is my fav!

    ReplyDelete
  72. i love your cards - the new release is soooo awesome and you showcased them beautifully! I also love some of your earlier projects like the owl and the "happy" watercolor card. Great ideas - thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I am enjoying the release. Great cards.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Love your cards, especially the leaves one! Thanks for sharing and the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Beautiful cards! I love the fall one! Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the chance to win!

    ~Ashley W
    proudusmcwife@gmail.com
    http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Love the cards that you made -- so much fun!!

    ReplyDelete
  77. The Broken Dots set is my favorite. Your cards are wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  78. I love the Stag die!!!! I adore your card with the stag and Bokeh Dots - what a versatile and fun stamp set!!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I love how you combined the stamp sets and dies!

    ReplyDelete
  80. I love how you snipped apart the laurel die to create the boughs on your "From our home to yours" card. So clever!
    Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  81. Loved all your cute cards but the way you used the laurel die with those cute little houses was just so cutsie, I love it, great idea. Love the new release.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Swooning over the gold tipped rack and the simplicity and texture of your leaf card!

    ReplyDelete
  83. I really like fall leaf card! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Love the stitching on your fall leaf card! So clever and pretty! Love all your cards. Happy WCMD!

    ReplyDelete
  85. What wonderful samples, Miriam! I really love how you used the Bokeh set!! Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Miriam, I love your the use of stitching on cards to add textural interest--your cards sing to me!

    ReplyDelete
  87. You created a great Christmas scene, perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Your design style is really unique, Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Love the Bokeh dots with the Stag! Great cards for a fantastic release.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Love this new Bokeh set and what you have created with it!

    ReplyDelete
  91. I so appreciate when crafters show different ways of using crafting materials and I love how you used the wreath die. Your cards do showcase the versatility of these sets. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Your cards are amazing! I especially love the CAS autumn card. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  93. The dots are my absolute favorite! Thank you for sharing your great ideas, I can't wait to get crafting!

    ReplyDelete
  94. Your cards are amazing. Love what you did with the leaf and the laurel on the home card.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Love your cards! they are so unique....wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Just beautiful cards! Love them.

    ReplyDelete
  97. such dark, rich colors. love the dots.

    ReplyDelete
  98. You make great cards. It's funny how a little bit of stitching can make such an impact!

    ReplyDelete
  99. Great cards, love the stitched details on the first one :)

    ReplyDelete
  100. Beautiful designs, Miriam. Love the deep beautiful colours!

    ReplyDelete
  101. LOVE the new releases - and especially what you did with the reindeer card!

    ReplyDelete
  102. Lovely cards, the leaves are my favorite...love the rich colors you used too!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Your cards are simply wonderful! I love all of them!

    ReplyDelete
  104. Great! These are wonderful! So inspiring

    ReplyDelete
  105. Lovely cards. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Oh wow these are great cards.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Awesome cards! This is an incredible release. I love this stamp set

    ReplyDelete
  108. You achieved such great shading on your cards - just lovely. Thanks for shaing and for the opportunity to win.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Such Beautiful work Miriam! You always wow us, no matter the stamps, but I am more excited for this release than any other all season. Julie and EH worked some great magic in this premier release!

    ReplyDelete
  110. Love your cards - especially the circles! That is my favorite! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  111. Beautiful cards with great ideas. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  112. LOVE your cards! Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  113. EXCELLENT EXCELLENT really great ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  114. Gorgeous!
    Fabulous ideas and inspiration.
    Hugz from Wisconsin, Patricia
    rubber stamping is my game blog

    ReplyDelete
  115. Too hard to pick a favorite detail here! Gold embossed antlers, stitched leaf veins, watercolor circles.... It's all just too cool!

    ReplyDelete
  116. I ADORE the gold and black embossed antlers!! That is such a gorgeous card and just a beautiful creation!

    ReplyDelete
  117. Happy World Card-Making Day! Oh my! Your cards are all beautiful, but I'm thinking that Bokeh stamp set is SO on my wish list. Awesome ideas for Ellen's new release! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  118. Wow! Stunning projects. Love each one-altho love the way you've been creative with that wreath die. Gorgeous card!

    ReplyDelete
  119. Oh my gosh, what lovely cards! Thanks for sharing these ideas :)

    ReplyDelete
  120. Your cards are fabulous, and I especially love the 'joy' card - so fun and eclectic!

    ReplyDelete
  121. Oh beautiful cards!
    I love the second one
    with the leaves and
    houses!
    Carla from Utah

    ReplyDelete
  122. Fabulous cards Miriam !! Love the whole release!

    ReplyDelete
  123. I'm in awe of the Cozy Christmas card. I love the way you split the laurel wreath to frame your scene.

    ReplyDelete
  124. I love, love your cards especially the stag joy card! Great use of colors! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  125. I love the cards you created, the whole collection is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  126. Love the autumn leaves? So simple but very impactful. Thank for all the great ideas on this wonderful no
    Ew release

    ReplyDelete
  127. Oh I LOVED the 'Joy' card - that is really beautiful! Thanks for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  128. Loved your CAS fall leaves card. So elegant! Your home card is lovely too. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  129. The simplicity of your cards make a beautiful statement.

    ReplyDelete
  130. Fabulous cards, love your style!

    ReplyDelete
  131. That is a versatile stamp set. Love what you did with it.

    ReplyDelete
  132. Your cards are totally awesome. What a great idea for the laurel wreath die - brilliant. The cards are so different but all equally beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  133. I'm loving all your samples. Wonderfully done!

    ReplyDelete
  134. Very inspiring. Let hanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  135. What a great idea for the laurel wreath die. Very inspirational.

    ReplyDelete
  136. The Bokeh Dots is my favorite set. Would love to win. Really like how you went outside the box in he use of the laurel wreath. Very unique

    ReplyDelete
  137. The second card it just lovely. But, I cannot deny the appeal of the first one. I love clean and simple designs.

    ReplyDelete
  138. Such inspiration! I do like those Bokeh Dots!

    ReplyDelete
  139. I LOVE that circles set. So many uses. Your projects are great. I love the little houses too.

    ReplyDelete
  140. Great cards and love how you used the laurel wreath die. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  141. That Bokeh Dots set is a must have! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous cards!!

    ReplyDelete
  142. Using the woodgrain paper is very clever! The Bokeh Dots set and Home And Hearth dies are on my wish List! From Arlene D

    ReplyDelete
  143. Awesome creative cards. Love them. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  144. Wow, I am loving the three cards, whether they are planned out or with the organic approach, each one is full of delights and wonder! Way to rock this blog hop, Miriam!

    ReplyDelete
  145. Great cards. I love how you spilt the laurel wreath to frame your scene. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  146. I love how you showed a new idea with the wreath die cut! Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  147. Your cards are fantastic! I love how you used the laurel wreath!

    ReplyDelete
  148. Awesome use of the wreath!! very creative !

    ReplyDelete
  149. Miriam your cards are fantastic! Love your second card especially with the Cozy Christmas set!

    ReplyDelete
  150. Oh, my! Just when I thought I'd seen it all, along comes your creations that are completely different from any on the hop. I love fall, love the houses, love the bokeh and the brushstrokes. Perfection! What a release! How lucky you all are to have been given first dibs in using it to create such fun projects.

    ReplyDelete
  151. Wow! I love your style! Great cards,great techniques,great use of color! Very creative!

    ReplyDelete
  152. Enjoyed your style. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  153. Wow, you really did a fantastic job on these Miriam!!! Such gorgeous cards!

    ReplyDelete
  154. Such fantastic cards. I especially like how you use stitching. I never dare to do that myself.
    Hugs
    Ela

    ReplyDelete
  155. Amazing cards - thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  156. Very lovely. Love the techniques you used.

    ReplyDelete
  157. These are just so beautiful! So many perfect little details :)

    ReplyDelete
  158. Beautiful cards! They are so pretty with great texture and details. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  159. Wonderful cards! Love, love, love the Bokeh Dots!

    ReplyDelete
  160. Love your cards. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  161. Great cards. I love the Bokeh dots!

    ReplyDelete
  162. Pretty cards, this stamp release is pretty awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  163. Love your cards. The bokeh stamp set is one of my favorites from this awesome new collection.

    ReplyDelete
  164. I love the deer and bokeh card.

    ReplyDelete
  165. Ah-mazing projects, Miriam! Couldn't wait to see the last card in full after seeing the teaser on IG! But I love them all!

    ReplyDelete
  166. I like the from our house to yours card, so sweet!

    ReplyDelete
  167. Awesome work - just signed onto your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  168. Great cards! I love the one using the Laurel Wreath dies.

    ReplyDelete
  169. The stitching is perfect for that card. Also like the scribbles, sequins and bokeh dots.

    ReplyDelete
  170. I love how you used the wreath as a border around the image! Great cards and great releases! Thanks for sharing with us!

    ReplyDelete
  171. So wonderful with all the circles and dots and fancies!!!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  172. Wow...love the stitching on the leaf and the gold antlers on that great stag die!!

    ReplyDelete